Be Your Own Valentine!

Valentine’s isn’t just about telling your other half that they rock your socks (because who needs a damn day for that?), it’s a day for all things love related. You’ve probably seen a whole bunch of Valentine’s Day wish lists, ideas and guides from all the corners of the internet showing you the stuff you can buy to tell someone they have a lovely bum/make you laugh like a hyena/enjoy their cooking from time to time so get off the god damn Xbox and MAKE ME A NICE PIE…sorry I got carried away there…

Well this blog post is going to be somewhat different to that, and this Valentine’s Day I would like you to appreciate the other love in your life – you.

You might have seen me gushing all over social media about an article I recently wrote for Marie Claire (yep, I can’t believe it either!) which you can read HERE (or by clicking the photo below) about Body Positivity and how to start your own revolution. This blog post is your next phase – how to start a love affair with yourself.

Enjoy Your Shape

Whether you have a beau or you’re ridin’ solo (JAYSOOON DERUULOOO…sorry) you don’t have to wait for someone else to tell you that you’re beautiful or that your body is bangin.

START YOUR LOVE AFFAIR – Stick on a body con and appreciate your curves, put on your favourite 50’s prom dress and enjoy your silhouette or rock your PJ’s and give yourself a cuddle – whatever you wear, appreciate the beauty of your skin and the shape it is in. If you’re not quite at full blown self love just yet, start your journey by focusing on something about yourself that you love. It can be your eyes, your bum, your fantastic sense of humour – whatever you’re proud of, you should celebrate.

Here’s some of the things I would buy to wear in front of the mirror, take a trillion selfies in and admire myself in:

Heal Your Heart

At the most romantic time of year, if you’re experiencing heartbreak, you might be on the verge of telling everyone to go forth and multiply. Romance overload can happen to loved up couples too, but probably not as much as it would do to someone who’s heart is in need of some TLC.

START YOUR LOVE AFFAIR – Remember, 14th February is just another day in the calendar. No one expects or needs you to pretend to be loved up or happy about the day. If you’re lucky enough to have the day off work, think about doing something to help you forget about the romantic connotations. Pamper yourself, surround yourself with friends and family, buy a new outfit, eat your favourite food, watch slasher films – whatever heals your heart, now is the time to indulge. When I was single and hating Valentine’s, I used to make a point of listening to nothing but Pop Punk, eating pizza and pampering when I was at home and I thoroughly recommend it as your date night to yourself! If you’re working (especially if you work in the restaurant industry – urgh couples everywhere!) make sure you make time for yourself after your shift. And I don’t mean drinking yourself into a “IM GOING TO TEXT HIM” kind of stupor – unless you enjoy that… I hope you don’t!

Here’s my top three singular Netflix and Chill outfits as a gift for me and me only (if you see what I’m sayin…):

Love Your GALentines

You don’t have to keep your appreciation for the people you fancy the pants off of. Feel free to use this as an excuse to tell your besties that you love them or tell the people that inspire you just how amazing they are.

START YOUR LOVE AFFAIR – In showing your babes that you love them and appreciate them, you’ll be filled with a lovely warm feeling, which in turn will make you feel better, which means you’ll smile more, which means LOTS OF HAPPY ALL AROUND. Drop them a text, pick up the phone and call them, send them a funny meme on Twitter – it doesn’t have to be about the material things! Surround yourself with the platonic love and positivity of your friends and you’ll feel like you can take on the world. Plus, if your friends are anything like mine, there will be lots of cuddles, possibly lots of alcohol and a good deal of power ballad karaoke!

If you do fancy sending a gift, here’s my pick for the best GALentine’s gifts:

Buy me a coffee!

Oh hey there!

'Sup! I'm Lottie L'Amour. I live in London and I blog about plus size fashion and body positivity. I've won a few awards too, and you've probably also seen my face on Cosmo, ElleUK, Marie Claire and E4's show, Made Over By...!

I was once called "Queen Feminist Whale" by online trolls, and I fully love that. I'm scared of jelly (don't trust how it moves) and spiders. I am addicted to colour and sparkle, and my style is relaxed, fun and wearable. I'm all about LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE so go live yours!